London: FIFA is set to introduce dope tests for referees also it has emerged.

According to the Daily Star, match officials already have to pass gruelling fitness tests before being given the nod to take charge of games.

FIFA chiefs say they are now planning to test referees for use of performance/enhancing drugs, as they already do with players.

FIFA's chief medical officer Jiri Dvorak said, "It is something for the future which will be discussed to possibly include an anti-doping programme for referees.

"We do not have an indication that this is a problem, but this is something we have to look at. The referees are a neglected population," he added.

Michel D’Hooghe, Chairman of FIFA's Medical Committee backed the initiative by saying, "The referee is an athlete on the field. Therefore, we think that officials must be subjected to the same anti-doping regulations as footballers."